Do Not Call registry opens to consumers today

SINGAPORE - From today, consumers who do not wish to receive telemarketing messages can register their Singapore telephone numbers with the Do Not Call (DNC) Registry for free.

Consumers can list their telephone numbers in any or all of the three DNC Registers for voice calls, text messages and faxes through the DNC website at www.dnc.gov.sg. They can also do so via SMS or a toll-free phone number.

Under the requirements of the Personal Data Protection Act 2012 (PDPA), local and overseas organisations must check with the DNC Registry to ensure that the Singapore telephone numbers that they are sending telemarketing messages to are not listed in the DNC Registry.

Mr Leong Keng Thai, Chairman of the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) said, "Consumers now have the flexibility to decide if and how they want to receive telemarketing messages. This also means consumers have a greater role to play in protecting their own data. The PDPC will monitor market developments and ensure that the DNC Registry benefits individuals and organisations".

Consumers who register from now till July 2 next year may still receive telemarketing messages for up to 60 days after registration.

Consumers who register after 2 July 2014 may still receive telemarketing messages for up to 30 days. This initial 60-day and subsequent 30-day timeframe is to give organisations time to familiarise themselves with the requirements of the DNC registry.

While registrations with the DNC Registry do not expire, consumers can deregister at any time. Terminated numbers will also be removed from the Registry.

Non-telemarketing messages such as those relating to surveys and customer service are excluded from the scope of the DNC Registry.